During their investigation, police say they found seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs), shotgun shells and other bomb making components like powder and chemicals. One of the IEDs was reportedly labeled “Powder w/ Nails.”

“What makes this case note-worthy is the fact that the explosive devices appeared, at least in one instance, to have shrapnel and there doesn’t to be many reasons why,” said Hochul.

Court documents show six of the devices were sealed cardboard tubes with fuses.

“We are not calling this particular investigation a terrorist investigation,” said Hochul. “What we do have, we believe, is serious enough possession manufacturing of explosive devices.”

According to the Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour, O’Neill admitted to building explosive devices to investigators from his hospital bed.

The charges O’Neill faces carry a maximum penalty of 10 years behind bars if he’s found guilty. His next court date has not yet been announced.

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